College is supposed to be the best four years of your life. It is the first step into the real world as an individual, and for most this is the first time that they are living on their own with no direct support from their parents. Transitioning from a sheltered environment to an atmosphere that is essentially bombarded with teenagers who are forced to become independent can definitely be difficult to adjust to.

All the decisions that you make are fully your call. There is no one reminding you to do your homework and to stay on top of your studies. No one there to wake you up for class every day, no one to do your laundry or clean your room, and what most people fail to realize is that there is no one there to financially support you. Yeah, maybe your parents deposit money in your account now and then, but you are in full control of the money that is available in your bank account, and this can definitely be dangerous when it comes to college living.

Now, if you’re like me, or most typical college students, you probably had a job in the summer. Summer jobs for college students are great opportunities to make a lot of money in order to steadily support yourself throughout the school year. The money that you earn during the summer most likely goes towards nights out, which mainly consist of partying with your friends or taking a ride off campus to eat some “normal” food and to escape the wrath of on-campus eating (Ok, maybe it’s not that bad, but we all know what can happen after a meal at 63’s).

Being smart and planning ahead is so crucial. When you budget your spending you won’t end up completely broke and you won’t have to worry about staying in every weekend solely based on your poor financial choices. Some parents willingly give their kids money, while other parents are very strict and push their unmotivated children to earn a sufficient amount of money for themselves.

Back in high school when I went out, my parents would usually hand me a $20 bill. This probably did not seem like a lot back then, but now $20 can make the biggest difference. This could pay for not only a ride to Omar’s but also an entrance fee and possibly a shot or two. The money that our parents gave us in high school was a luxury, well for me at least. I don’t know about you guys, but when I stop at the ATM before I go out, I don’t magically find myself stumbling upon extra money. The money that I take out is out, and it’s out for good.

It is so important that college students understand how to create a sense of balance when it comes to their weekend schedule. If you just went out Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, there’s nothing wrong with taking a night off and watching a movie or two with your friends. Movie nights are a great way to save money and enjoy the night, especially during Halloween.

As a sophomore, I’ve done my fair share of overspending, especially first semester of my freshman year. But to be honest, it doesn’t matter what year of college you’re in. You always want to make sure that you manage your money. When the weather starts to get nicer towards the end of the year and people head over to Fairfield to enjoy the day at the beach, you want to make sure you have the money to go. If you miss one party or one night out to Sugar and Spice, it’s not then end of the world, trust me! You don’t have to spend money in order to have a good time and when you do go out, spend wisely. This way, there will be another night out.